Here are some of our most frequently asked questions!
Q: When are your dances? I never know when the dances are!
A: Although our dances typically take place the second Friday of each month, we may occasionally vary the schedule due to various circumstances. You can always find out our next upcoming dance date on our Monthly Dance page.
Q: What type of music do you play at your dances?
A: Ours is a contemporary dance mix. It is neither strictly Swing, strictly Ballroom, nor strictly Latin. It is, instead, a mix featuring predominantly contemporary dance music, along with classic favorites, but which is intended for both the experienced dancer and the novice alike. If you have a Swing dance background, you will enjoy selections which are also commonly featured at many national swing dance events. If you are a Ballroom dancer, you will experience a variety of music which includes both Smooth and Rhythm style dances. If you are a Latin dancer, you will hear contemporary and classic tropical music selections which include music from Columbian, Puerto Rican, Dominican, and Cuban artists.
Want some examples of the type of music we play? We've included some samples here, here, here, and here for you to preview.
After 11:00pm, the music will likely have increased emphasis on Swing and Hustle music. Some consider this type of mix a "California Mix".
Our DJs will always sense the mood of the crowd and will play songs which the crowd is more responsive to. Naturally, the objective is to keep as many of our dance attendees as happy as possible!
Q: What is the difference between those lessons advertised as "Beginner" versus "Beginner-Intermediate"?
A: "Beginner" means most of the lesson will be spent covering the basics, and introducing students to the dance. This is especially recommended for those who have never danced it before or who need a solid foundation in the dance, before proceeding to more advanced material. "Beginner-Intermediate" means a brief amount of time (subject to instructor discretion) is spent covering the basics (for those who need a refresher, or for fast learning beginners), and a majority of the lesson is spent covering an intermediate pattern, or on more advanced technique. True novices, or those who have never danced before, might find the "Beginner-Intermediate" lessons somewhat challenging. These lessons are ideal for those who already know the basics and are interested in more advanced material.
Q: What is the dress code for your dances?
A: Technically, there is no dress code for our dances. Our dances are informal. We have noticed that many past attendees, mindful of the fact it is an evening social gathering, dress attractively chic or "dressy casual".
Since our main focus is on good dancing, the only guidelines we recommend are:
(ideally, avoid street shoes and bring dance shoes to change into).
a full range of motion, or which restricts your ability to dance.
too quickly. Remember that dancing increases your body heat! If you are concerned about getting too cold, you can choose to dress in layers.
Q: Do you have to dance the style of dance displayed on your screen whenever a song comes on?
A: No, of course not! The dance style listed for any given song is only a suggestion! You are always free to dance whatever you like for the song being played. In fact, the more experienced dancers do this already! The song suggestions are there only as a guide, and are not intended to "restrict" you.
About our online dance calendar.
Q: Are all the items listed on this calendar sponsored by your organization?
A: No. Only some of the items appearing on the calendar are events and lessons sponsored by the Dance Lovers of Central New York organization. Most of the items listed, in fact, the majority, are actually sponsored by other dance providers and area instructors.
Q: How do I find out more about an item listed on your calendar (such as price/location)?
A: You can always click on any item listed on our calendar to find out the price and location details for an event of interest. If price and location details are not known, at least contact information is listed.
Q: Why aren't ALL dance events (or upcoming lessons) listed? (I may know of a few not listed.)
A: This may be due to a variety of reasons. First, know that the calendar is updated by volunteers as a reference for the local dance community, and all the information provided is on a "best effort" basis.
We make a sincere effort to list those venues and classes where trained dancers will likely enjoy themselves in the company of fellow dancers, but only as we become aware of them! This means we typically won't list night clubs (where the focus seems to be on drinking more than dancing). And we only list some live band events if we are familiar with the type of dance music the band plays. Finally, if a provider does not openly advertise their upcoming lessons or dances, we are not aware of them for inclusion in our calendar.
For the most part, we list Syracuse area (Onondaga County) events on our calendar, and other area events on a case-by-case basis, or by special request. If you are aware of a dance event (or lesson series) other dancers might appreciate knowing about, please let us know!
Q: If I prefer dancing to live bands only, where can I find out about dance bands playing this upcoming weekend?
A: Although we sometimes list live band events on our calendar, your best source will be the weekly Syracuse based periodical, The New Times (online version here), or the "Weekend" insert of the Syracuse Post Standard, which appears every Thursday (online version here).
About our dance lessons.
Q: Do I need to preregister for a class?
A: No, all classes are on a drop-in basis.
Q: Do I need to show up with a dance partner?
A: No, our instructors will rotate dance partners in a class. Although we can never guarantee an equal balance of leaders and followers, we do our best to increase attendance so everyone can have a chance to dance with someone.
General dancing questions.
Q: Where can I go dancing in the Syracuse, NY area?
A: We strongly recommend you visit and bookmark our online dance calendar (which we reference above). It includes both social dance, and dance lesson announcements for many of our local dance providers. Visit this dance calendar every week, and you will get a regularly updated picture of all the dance events happening in the Syracuse, NY area from the Swing, Latin, Ballroom, and even the occasional Country dance world.
Q: Where can I find good dance shoes?
A: Try our listing of Dance Shoe Retailers available on our Meetup Group website. Perhaps that can be of help. Know of good dance shoe retailers in the Syracuse area? Email us to let us know!
